San Diego Comic-Con 2016 starts today! Here’s what’s happening and how you can watch it!

Fellow geeks, the time has finally arrived! The 2016 San Diego Comic-Con officially starts today! Well, it actually started last night, but since that’s considered more of a sneak peek preview night than anything else, I’m just going to stick to my original excited declaration! Huzzah!

While we have plenty of comic book conventions around the world all year long, the San Diego Comic-Con is undoubtedly the biggest and most popular of them all, and in later years, with the boom of geek culture, has become an almost fabled mecca for many (one day, Kervyn…. one day, you will visit) as it has rolled movies and TV series from all the major studios into this one four-day extravaganza. And for the first time ever, the traditionally secretive and exclusive convention will be taking a page out of Star Wars Celebration’s book and actually live-streaming events and panels online. But there’s a catch!

You will only be able to watch the streams if you’re a paying subscriber on Comic-ConHQ.com and if you’re residing in the USA. Luckily, I did a bit if testing last night and found a workaround. Shhhhh, you didn’t hear this from me!

If you’re using a DNS routing service like Unotelly to get access the US versions of Netflix (well, probably not so much anymore), Hulu and HBO Go, for example, then Comic-ConHQ actually has no problem taking your money? “How much money?”, you ask. Officially it’s a $5 per month subscription, however Comic-Con HQ has a 30-day free trial which is actually already 26 more days than we need to just watch the events at Comic-Con this weekend! Score!

If you don’t have access to Unotelly and the like though, have no fear as reports from the various panels and several trailer reveals are usually online as soon as the panels have wrapped, if not sooner, and we will be endeavouring to keep you as up to date as possible over the course of the weekend. But exactly what will be going down though? What should you be keeping a listen out for? Well, to list all the panels and events that will be taking place from when Comic-Con kicks off tonight at 10am PDT (that’s 7pm local time) till everything wraps on Sunday would just take waaaaaaaay too long. Even longer than this already incredibly lengthy post. You can feel free to go through Comic-Con’s entire events calendar, but here are some of the daily highlights that stood out for me.

(Please note: There will be overlapping times as panels happen simultaneously in Comic-Con’s various venues, with Hall H usually reserved for the major panels)

Open Road Films presents Oliver Stone’s Snowden, featuring never-before-seen footage and a live conversation with legendary filmmaker Oliver Stone, in his first visit to Comic-Con, and actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

CBS Television Studios Block (12:00 – 15:00 PDT, Ballroom 20)

Macgyver – Mac is back! The classic action-adventure drama and fan-favorite MacGyver is coming back to CBS this fall. MacGyver creates a clandestine organization within the U.S. government where he uses his extraordinary talent for unconventional problem solving and vast scientific knowledge to save lives. MacGyver and his team take on the responsibility of saving the world, armed to the teeth with resourcefulness and little more than bubble gum and a paper clip. Join series stars Lucas Till (X-Men), and George Eads (CSI), and executive producer Peter Lenkov (Hawaii Five-0) for an exclusive sneak peek of the first season, followed by a panel discussion.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (13:00 – 14:00 PDT, Hall H)

Witness the first public exhibition of footage from acclaimed director/producer/writer Luc Besson’s first-ever Hall H presentation, and his latest foray into science fiction. Special operatives Valerian and Laureline embark on a mission to the breathtaking intergalactic city of Alpha, an ever-expanding metropolis made up of thousands of species from all corners of the universe. Alpha’s 17 million inhabitants have converged over time, uniting their talents, technology, and resources for the betterment of all. But not everyone on Alpha shares in these same objectives; unseen forces are at work, placing their race in great danger. Luc Besson (The Fifth Element, The Professional), producer Virginie Besson-Silla (Lucy, Revolver), Dane DeHaan (Amazing Spider-Man 2, Chronicle), and Cara Delevingne (Suicide Squad, Paper Towns) join moderator Josh Horowitz (MTV) and special surprise panelists for the first public sneak peek at Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, coming to theaters from EuropaCorp in Summer 2017.

DreamWorks’ Voltron: Legendary Defender (15:00 – 16:00 PDT, Room 7AB)

Form Voltron! Executive producer Joaquim Dos Santos, co-executive producer Lauren Montgomery, and head writer Tim Hendrick dive deep into the epic first season of the critically acclaimed Netflix original series Voltron: Legendary Defender. They’ll come ready to answer all your burning questions with an extended fan Q&A and even offer a sneak peek of what’s next for the Paladins of Voltron. All panel attendees will receive an exclusive limited-edition Voltron lithograph.

The cast of the upcoming Netflix original series Marvel’s Luke Cage make their first-ever appearance, answering questions and giving fans a look at exclusive footage from the highly anticipated series, ahead of its September 30 global debut on Netflix. Moderated by Jeph Loeb (executive producer and Marvel’s Head of Television).

Dark Matter: Season 2 (19:00 – 20:00 PDT, Room 6DE)

In the midst of the epic space drama’s second season, cast members Melissa O’Neil (Two), Anthony Lemke (Three), Alex Mallari Jr. (Four), Jodelle Ferland (Five), and newcomer Melanie Liburd (Nyx) will discuss new storylines, characters, sets, and behind-the-scenes tidbits. There will also be some exclusive, never-before-seen footage shown.

Robotech: A Look to the Future (20:30 – 21:30 PDT, Room 24ABC)

Harmony Gold USA presents the latest developments in the Robotech universe, from awesome new products to the live-action film in the works at Sony Pictures with the producers of 300 and the director of Furious 7.

FRIDAY

Star Wars Publishing (11:00 – 12:00 PDT, Room 7AB)

Get the latest info on all the new books and comics set in a galaxy far, far away! Authors, artists, and editors from Del Rey, Disney-Lucasfilm Press, Marvel, and others discuss their upcoming stories and the future of Star Wars publishing. Moderated by Lucasfilm’s Michael Siglain.

Following the climatic events of the season finale, join The 100 as the critically acclaimed series returns to Comic-Con. ALIE has been defeated, and The City of Light destroyed, but The 100’s victory is bittersweet as a new threat comes into focus. With the clock ticking and Earth’s radiation levels rising, our heroes must put aside their differences to save what remains of humanity. Will The 100 go quietly into that good night, or will they find hope and faith in each other, as they face their darkest chapter yet? Be among the first to find out what’s in store for season 4. See a special video presentation followed by a Q&A with series stars and producers. From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Alloy Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television, The 100 returns midseason with all-new episodes on The CW. The 100: The Complete Third Season will be available on DVD on July 19.

Based on the bestselling fantasy book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, HBO’s Emmy and Golden Globe-winning series Game of Thrones concluded its 10-episode sixth season in June and will begin filming its seventh season later this year. The series, executive produced and written by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, is an epic story of treachery and nobility, set on the continent of Westeros, where summers and winters can last years. Cast panelists include (in alphabetical order) John Bradley as Samwell Tarly, Liam Cunningham as Davos Seaworth, Nathalie Emmanuel as Missandei, Conleth Hill as Varys, Faye Marsay as The Waif, Hannah Murray as Gilly, Kristian Nairn as Hodor, Iwan Rheon as Ramsay Bolton, Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark, and Isaac Hempstead Wright as Bran Stark. Moderated by Rob McElhenney (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia).

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D executive producer and head of Marvel Television Jeph Loeb and cast members Clark Gregg, Ming-Na Wen, Chloe Bennet, Henry Simmons, Elizabeth Henstridge, and Iain De Caestecker, co-creators and executive producers Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen, and executive producer Jeff Bell share the secrets, lies, and dangers of making season 3! See exclusive footage and surprise moments, and be the first to learn what’s in store for season 4! The action-packed series from Marvel Television returns this fall, only on ABC.

See a special preview screening of the full first episode with stars Alfonso Herrera (Sense8, The Chosen), Ben Daniels (Flesh and Bone, House of Cards), and Academy Award and Golden Globe winner Geena Davis (Commander in Chief, Beetlejuice, The Fly) and writer/producer Jeremy Slater (Fantastic Four). Widely regarded as the greatest horror movie ever made, Academy Award-nominated The Exorcist terrified audiences around the world. Now, more than four decades later, The Exorcist returns as a contemporary psychological TV thriller on FOX this fall, following the story of two very different priests tackling one family’s case of terrifying demonic possession.

AMC’s Preacher (18:30 – 20:30 PDT, Hall H)

Executive producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg join comic book co-creator and series co-executive producer Garth Ennis and members of the cast including Dominic Cooper, Ruth Negga, Joseph Gilgun, Ian Colletti and Graham McTavish in a panel moderated by Kevin Smith, to discuss the first season of the hit series. Join the panelists for a live reading of the newest episode, airing Sunday, July 24 at 9pm on AMC, followed by a Q&A session

Delve into the demented history of the Dark Knight’s arch nemesis, The Joker, as he sets out to prove insanity is only a horrifying moment away for anyone in the latest DC Universe Original Movie, Batman: The Killing Joke. Based on one of the bestselling graphic novels of all time, this R-rated, feature-length animated film brings together some of the key creative team behind Batman: The Animated Series with executive producer Bruce Timm (Justice League: Gods & Monsters) at the helm and Kevin Conroy (Justice League), and Mark Hamill (Star Wars) returning to their seminal roles as Batman and The Joker, respectively. Hear how the graphic novel transitioned to animated thriller, and then witness the world premiere of this highly anticipated film. Panelists include Tara Strong (Teen Titans, Batman: Arkham games) as Barbara Gordon/Batgirl and Ray Wise (Twin Peaks, RoboCop) as Commissioner James Gordon, as well as director Sam Liu (Batman: Year One, All-Star Superman) and Harvey and Eisner Award-winning writer Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets, Batman: Broken City). Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment, Batman: The Killing Joke arrives from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment July 26 on Digital HD and August 2 on Blu-ray Deluxe Edition, Blu-ray Combo Pack, and DVD.

September 8, 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of Star Trek’s first broadcast. What began as a TV show became a window into the future and a reflection of our greatest hopes and dreams. By envisioning a world where technology and science improve the human condition, and where peace and unity transcend conflict and separation, Star Trek has inspired children, parents, engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and viewers around the world. It’s also spurred countless real-world innovations and “firsts,” giving name to a Space Shuttle (the Enterprise), launching one of the first and most passionate worldwide fandoms, and featuring the first interracial kiss on American network television. Join William Shatner, Scott Bakula, Michael Dorn, Jeri Ryan, and Brent Spiner for a conversation moderated by Bryan Fuller, executive producer of the new Star Trek television series coming to CBS All Access, following its network premiere in 2017.

Syfy’s The Expanse (15:00 – 16:00 PDT, Indigo Ballroom)

Get a sneak peek of the new season of Syfy’s critically acclaimed series from writers of Children of Men and Iron Man, based on the New York Times bestselling book series. Moderator Adam Savage (MythBusters, Tested) and the cast and executive producers preview the aftermath of season 1’s explosive finale.

Supergirl will be returning for more supercharged adventures in the show’s new home on The CW this fall! Wondering who’s in that pod, or what will be bringing Superman to National City? Join the series’ cast and creative team for a special video presentation, followed by a discussion of these season 2 hot topics and more! From Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, Supergirl’s second season will premiere Mondays at 8/7c this fall on The CW. Supergirl: The Complete First Season will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on August 9.

Stars Elijah Wood (Wilfred), Samuel Barnett (Penny Dreadful), Hannah Marks (The Amazing Spiderman), and Jade Eshete (Dead Beat), lead writer and executive producer Max Landis (Chronicle, American Ultra), showrunner Robert Cooper (Stargate Atlantis, Stargate Universe) and moderator Tim Leong of Entertainment Weekly offer a first look at BBC America’s Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, an original series from the producers of The Walking Dead, premiering October 22. An adaptation from famed author of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, Dirk Gently follows the bizarre adventures of eccentric detective Dirk Gently (Barnett) and his reluctant assistant Todd (Wood), as they wend their way through an insane mystery, crossing unlikely paths with a bevy of wild and dangerous characters, each episode landing them a few random steps closer to uncovering the truth. BBC America’s Dirk Gentley’s Holisitc Detective Agency is an eight-part co-production of AMC Studios, Ideate Media and IDW Entertainment with Circle of Confusion producing.

After saving the world-and all of time-from the immortal madman Vandal Savage, then bidding farewell to two of their fellow comrades, Hawkman and Hawkgirl, the Legends received an unexpected visit from a mysterious new ally, Rex Tyler, who gives the team a brand new mission. What that mission is, how the Justice Society of America will factor in, and who will be aboard the Waverider when The CW’s Super Hero team-up series returns for its second season are questions that the cast and creative team will seek to answer when they descend on San Diego for their second visit to Comic-Con. From Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow airs Thursdays at 8/7c on The CW, and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow: The Complete First Season will be released on Blu-ray combo pack, DVD and Digital HD on August 23.

Marvel Studios (17:30 – 18:45 PDT, Hall H)

Marvel Studios president and producer Kevin Feige and special guests provide an inside look at the ever expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 and Doctor Strange have been confirmed to have presences at the panel.

Riverdale Pilot Screening and Q&A (18:30 – 19:25 PDT, Room 6BCF)

Things aren’t always what you expect in Riverdale. Based on the iconic characters from Archie Comics and produced by Berlanti Productions (The Flash, Supergirl, Blindspot, Everwood), this one-hour drama is a bold, subversive take on the surreality of small-town life. As a new school year begins, the town of Riverdale is reeling from the recent, tragic death of high school golden boy Jason Blossom-and nothing feels the same. Archie Andrews (KJ Apa) is still the all-American teen, but the summer’s events made him realize that he wants to pursue a career in music-and not follow in his dad’s footsteps-despite the sudden end of his forbidden relationship with Riverdale’s young music teacher, Ms. Grundy (Sarah Habel). Which means Archie doesn’t have anyone who will mentor him-certainly not singer Josie McCoy (Ashleigh Murray), who is only focused on her band, the soon-to-be-world-famous Pussycats. It’s all weighing heavily on Archie’s mind-as is his fractured friendship with budding writer and fellow classmate Jughead Jones (Cole Sprouse). Meanwhile, girl-next-door Betty Cooper (Lili Reinhart) is anxious to see her crush Archie after being away all summer, but she’s not quite ready to reveal her true feelings to him. And Betty’s nerves-which are hardly soothed by her overbearing mother, Alice (Mädchen Amick)-aren’t the only thing holding her back. When a new student, Veronica Lodge (Camila Mendes), arrives in town from New York with her mother Hermione (Marisol Nichols), there’s an undeniable spark between her and Archie, even though Veronica doesn’t want to risk her new friendship with Betty by making a play for Archie. And then there’s Cheryl Blossom (Madelaine Petsch) . . . Riverdale’s Queen Bee is happy to stir up trouble among Archie, Betty, and Veronica, but Cheryl is keeping secrets of her own. What, exactly, is she hiding about the mysterious death of her twin brother, Jason? Riverdale may look like a quiet, sleepy town, but there are dangers in the shadows. See a screening of the complete pilot episode, followed by a panel discussion with series stars and executive producers. Riverdale is from Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, with executive producers Greg Berlanti (Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow), Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Supergirl, Glee), Sarah Schechter (Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow), and Jon Goldwater (Archie Comics). Riverdale premieres midseason on The CW.

Be the first to see the pilot of Syfy’s newest thriller. Set in a near future when corporations have unlimited power, Incorporated follows a young executive who conceals his true identity to infiltrate a ruthless mega-corporation and save the woman he loves. Incorporated is from Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Jennifer Todd’s Pearl Street Films.

Wentworth Miller, Dominic Purcell, Sarah Wayne Callies, Robert Knepper, and producer Vaun Wilmott greet fans fresh out of production to share their behind-the-scenes experiences from set and show a special sneak peek of all new footage! The legacy continues with Corey Hawkins (Straight Outta Compton), Miranda Otto (Homeland, Lord of the Rings), and Jimmy Smits (Sons of Anarchy, Star Wars: Episodes II &III), who join the creators/producers of the original 24-Howard Gordon, Manny Coto, and Evan Katz-for a special fan presentation of the highly anticipated new series.

And for all of you that have actually scrolled all the way through this massive list, here are some pics from the Comic-Con floor itself courtesy of Comingsoon.net.

A man of many passions - but very little sleep - I've been geeking out over movies, video games, comics, books, anime, TV series and lemon meringues as far back as I can remember. So show up for the geeky insight, stay for the delicious pastries.

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